In December, Samsung recalled more than 660,000 washing machines. The electronics company warned customers that the machine could short-circuit and overheat, making it a fire hazard.
To fix the problem, the company issued a software update. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), to prevent the hazard, consumers should immediately check whether their washer's software has been updated.
Samsung Recalls More Than 660 Washing Machines
CPSC advised consumers that if their washer's software is not yet updated, they should immediately stop using the washer. Before using the washer again, they should ensure that they have updated the software first.
If the washing machine was set up already and connected to Wi-Fi, it should automatically download the software update through its SmartThings app, as per The Verge.
Samsung is advising consumers to check the software version of their machine before using the washer again. If the software isn't installed yet, consumers should "immediately download and install the software update."
Meanwhile, according to CNN, consumers who do not have internet can get a free dongle from Samsung. The dongle can be plugged in and afterward, you can download the free software repair.
According to the electronics company, the control panel of around 14 models that were sold in the US could potentially overheat. When that happens, it could smoke, melt, or even catch on fire.
Among Samsung's top-load washers with super speed wash that are affected are WA49B, WA50B, WA51A, WA52A, WA54A, and WA55A. These washers were sold in white, black, champagne, and ivory colors.
According to CPSC, they have published the range of serial numbers for the models of the washers recalled.
The washing machines were sold at big-box retailers such as Best Buy, Costco, The Home Depot, and Lowe's between June 2021 and December 2022. They are said to cost between $900 and $1,500.
CPSC said that they have recorded 51 reports of smoking, melting, overheating, or fire involving the washers.
Of the 51 cases, 10 have resulted in property damage while three people were reportedly injured due to smoke inhalation.
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Consumer Might Encounter Some Issues Updating Their Washer's Software
Washing machine recalls are not exactly new. Because of fire concerns, Whirlpool and GE have also both recalled units.
In addition, Samsung also famously settled a class action suit over some machines that would vibrate excessively. According to CPSC, since the machine could potentially come apart it could lead to "impact injuries."
For consumers who are dealing with a recall, doing it through a software update is less of a hassle than having to schedule an in-home repair.
However, there are a few issues that consumers might experience when connecting their washing machine to the internet for the first time.
According to Samsung, you won't be able to connect to a network if it has other characters aside from letters and numbers in its name. Moreover, the network has to be 2.4Ghz
Another issue that consumers might encounter is a machine that doesn't have Wi-Fi built-in. If your machine is one of those, the best course of action that you can do is to contact Samsung to get a dongle that plugs into a special port on your machine.
Based on an instructional video released by Samsung, the dongle should automatically update your washer's software after you plug it in.
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